Chelsea: The perfect 2013/14 XI

With Roman Abramovich placing his trust in returning Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho for the upcoming campaign, who will the Portuguese manager want in his starting XI next season?

Here's a rundown on who could make it into Mourinho's starting line-up next season if his potential transfer targets arrive at the Bridge this summer.

Formation 4-2-3-1

It was the formation that both Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benitez employed last season and it worked well for the Blues. The trio of attacking midfielders blew many opponents out of the water, and we think it could work just as well for Mourinho's XI next season.

Goalkeeper: Petr Cech

What needs to be said about the legendary Czech Republic international? He has been a key member of the Chelsea squad for years now and despite the managerial door ever-revolving at the Bridge, Cech seems like one of the only players to weather the Abramovich storm and stay loyal to the Blues.

Right-back: Branislav Ivanovic

Described by Frank Lampard as "a beast", this could probably be the best quote to describe the 29-year-old Serbian international. He made the move from centre-back to full-back well last season, making the position his own. His 59 appearances last season reflect this well, and he scored the winning goal in the Europa League final victory over Benfica too.

With John Terry coming to the end of his career, Gary Cahill could be trusted as Mourinho's number one centre-back next season. 45 appearances last season means that the former Bolton man is ready to continue his solid performances for Mourinho next season.

Left-back: Ashley Cole

Although he is coming to the end of his career, Ashley Cole showed last season that he is not ready to hang up his boots quite yet. Some exemplar performances at left-back heavily contributed to his side's third place Premier League finish and their Europa Cup victory.

Defensive-midfielders: David Luiz & Geoffrey Kondogbia

The charismatic Brazilian has shown Blues fans that his best position could in-fact be in midfield, where he can make his powerful runs. Well-known for some defensive mishaps last season, defensive midfield could be just the position for Luiz under Mourinho next season.

The France U20 international impressed last season for La Liga outfit Sevilla, and is widely seen as one of the brightest French prospects around. The 6" 4" giant could be the perfect player to fill this gap in the side.

Left-midfield: Hulk

The Zenit St Petersburg forward has been strongly linked with a move away from Russia all summer, and the powerful Brazilian could fit perfectly into the Chelsea squad next season. He scored 11 goals and created eight assists for his team mates, meaning he has the creativity needed to fit into Mourinho's side next season.

Central-midfield: Juan Mata

The Spanish Wizard endeared himself to the Blues fans last season, emerging as one of their best players of the campaign. Ever-present throughout, he made an amazing 64 appearances last season, and he will slot straight back into the side next season.

Right-midfield: Nemanja Matic

The former Blue was part of the deal that saw David Luiz transferred to the club in 2011. He now plays for Benfica and has been widely connected with a move back to England following a cracking season in Portugal. He was also awarded the Portuguese League player of the season for some fantastic man-of-the-match performances last campaign too.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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